It's hard to believe we only have a few short weeks until the FCAT test. We have been working very hard in class, polishing our comprehension skills and math facts. I will be sending home some valuable information regarding the test soon, in case you were not able to make it to parent night. Please continue to support your child at home on their multiplication facts and independent reading. When they finish reading a book or an article, make sure to ask them what the main idea was, how the characters were alike and different, and if they recognize any cause and effect relationships in the passage. These skills make up the crux of the questioning on the FCAT, and the more practice they get, the better they will do. I am excited and hopeful that every student in this room will do their best and be successful in March.

Thank you, again, for trusting me to teach your babies and allowing them to be "mine" this year. We are having a blast!

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Do you know what time it is?
That's right! FCAT time...

This is the time that we roll up our sleeves and get to work. With only a few weeks before the test, it is vital that your child be at school on time, everyday. Your child will have homework every Mon-Thurs., unless noted in their agendas.
I have attached links (on the left hand side of this page) of previous and actual FCAT tests that have been administered in prior years. If you have a chance, please check them out to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that will appear on your child's test in March.
Thank you, in advance, for your partnership and support.
Questions? Worries? Never hesitate to call me.


Welcome back, I've missed you all!

Our AR point leaders
 (last updated on 02/09/10)
Marlene: 48.9
Sammy: 27.7
Dylan: 24.8
Alexa: 19.9
Arturo: 17.1
Carly: 17.0


Keep up the great work!
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I hope everyone had a relaxing and joyous holiday. I had a fantastic time staying home (and sleeping in) with my kids. I hope your New Year begins smoothly and sets the tone for a truly fantastic and blessed year for you and your loved ones.

It's almost Christmas...
These next few days are going to be busy! Hopefully, you have received and returned your winter mug exchange paper. I would really like to have those back in by Thursday, the 17th. I know the kids are going to love "hot cocoa" in
their new mugs! I plan on bringing in a crock pot of water to heat up; even I can't mess up hot chocolate!!!!

A big "Thank you," for the families that have brought in gingerbread house supplies; we have plenty of marshmallows and MnM's, but we could use more white icing and graham crackers! Remember, you are welcome to help us build our houses on Friday at noon!

We will be reading the Polar Express on Thursday and watching the movie on Friday. We will be creating Venn Diagrams to compare and contrast the book and the film. We have some fun surprises in store; I think your child will have a great time! Please allow your child to bring a pillow or blanket, a fuzzy robe, or maybe even their favorite slippers to help put them in the mood! I am very excited, we are all looking forward to this special day.

Finally, it is time for our Bayshore Second Annual (vocab word!) picnic on Friday! We will be outside eating hotdogs and chips, enjoying some fresh air, and doing a little dance! Come on out and Cha Cha Slide with us!

Finally, please let me take this time to say thank you for the cards, gifts, support, and love that you shower me with on a daily basis. Your children are a huge part of my life, and it is with a warm and fulfilled heart that I offer my gratitude and appreciation for all that you do for your child and their education. 

Have a safe and happy holiday season; come back to me rested and healthy! 
   
 

Ok, we WON the canned food drive! Maybe your kids came home and told you about our awesome pizza party with Mr. Ausman. Our class collected 315 cans of food for the Salvation Army,  each student continues to make me very proud!

Thank you for all of the families that were able to bring in a dish/items for our "Thanksgiving Brunch." The kids had a great time and I am so very thankful for you all, and all that you do for your child and our classroom. Thanksgiving kicks off my favorite part of the year and every day I love your kids more and more. I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you all how blessed and appreciative I am to have your students in my room and in my heart. My life would not be the same  without each and every one of "my" kids. I hope your Thanksgiving is fantastic, filling your days with love and good cheer and great food! 

**Please encourage your child to read at home over the break!**
 
The students are really enjoying working in teams and earning tokens when they are on task and following the expectations. They can earn all kinds of rewards. Already they have earned lunch in the classroom, board games, recess, visits to the treasure box, and today a root beer float party!  It is my pleasure spending my days with your children, I already love each and every one of them.

Thank you for your support at home with our weekly fluency reading and recording. Being a fluent reader is vital in this grade, as it bridges word decoding and reading comprehension. Please continue to time your child every night for one minute and record their correct words per minute. The object is for your child to begin making connections with these words as they read the same passage nightly. You should begin to see improvement by the end of the week. Your child should be reading about 85 words per minute at this time of the year. I appreciate your support at home as we work together to ensure your child's success in third grade, and it has been proven that a student's fluency score is directly correlated to how well they score on the FCAT test.

I am having a great time spending time with all of the students and their families this year, and as always, I am open to communication. Call or email me anytime that is convenient for you. Stay tuned for photos to be posted and updated A.R. point leaders!  Until we meet again, work hard and be kind!

Joelle Beverly

Our AR Leaders:
Last updated on 12/15/09 
Marlene      33.4
 Sammy      20.5
  Dylan        15.0
 Alexa         12.2
  Carly         11.4